a member of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation  e-mail: stevehiggins@rogers.com

Curriculum

While this curriculum can be seen as progressive and sequential, it need not be approached in that way. For example, individuals whose primary interests are health and stress-reduction might profitably go straight into Category 2 studies. In fact, this is precisely what most do. However, those who wish to develop martial abilities, and who do not have prior martial experience, will benefit by starting with Category 1 subjects such as Long Fist. They should nevertheless realize that advanced martial facility is the product of Categories 2 and 3.

Similarly, those whose primary interests are spiritual or Qigong-related, might concentrate on categories 2 and 3. Category 3 represents the highest level of over-all training offered at Cold Mountain. But it is also the most challenging, if the prior levels have not been explored.

Category 1:

Emphasis is placed upon physical preparation and development. This category is a desirable introduction for those who wish to develop Taijiquan’s martial aspect. Category 1 is not subtle and constitutes foundation-work. Parts of it may be termed “internal-external”.

Forms:

• Han Shan Chang Quan (“Cold Mountain Long Fist”) – an energetic, robust form emphasizing full power strikes and large movements. Not Taijiquan, but a preliminary study.
• Han Shan Pao Chui (“Cold Mountain Cannon Fist”) – another large-frame form, which introduces elements of Taiji theory and movement. It is based on one of the original 12 styles of Long Fist, which became the second major routine found in the Chen family Taijiquan syllabus. This version is deeply influenced by the work of the late Grandmaster Jou Tsung Hwa.

Preparatory:

• Joint-expansion Qigongs.
• Jou Tsung Hwa’s standing Qigong.

• Two person drills.
• Five Elements exercises.
• Chen’s Tui-shou (“Pushing Hands”).
• Wuji-gong and Zhan-zhong.

• Tieh-chai (Sai).
• Yang’s 18-Energy sabre
• Flying Rainbow Single Taiji Fan.

Category 2:

Here the emphasis is on the development of looseness, control and subtlety. This level is definitely “internal” and is based on deeper levels of relaxation. This is a particularly important category of practice for those who seek stress relief. At a martial level, this is higher than Category 1. However, those who seek martial ability, but who lack a prior foundation in martial arts studies, are recommended to gain some experience with Category 1 studies either prior to, or concurrent with, practicing Category 2 arts; otherwise, many of the martial implications of the training may not be fully realized.

Form:

• Yang family long form – the traditional 108-movement Yang-style routine, which is widely recognized for its amazing health benefits. Movements are practiced slowly and smoothly, with great relaxation. This form is transmitted through Master Sam Masich, who has studied with many senior Yang-tradition masters including Grandmaster Yang Zhenduo and has been a private training-guest of the Yang family in China.
• Yang family short form – a modern 16-movement form designed and taught by Grandmaster Yang Zhenduo. The form has no difficult movements and is executed in a very large frame. The postures are similar to those of his father, Yang Cheng-fu.

• Four Energies Qigong.
• Meditation for the Joints (from the Ba Chang Gong*).
• Energy Ball breath circulation*.
• Dr. Yang’s Taiji Qigong.

• 8 Trigrams training (for combatives specialists).
• Ba Chang Gong (a system combining hard and soft exercises, recommended for Qigong specialists).
• Yang’s Tui-shou.
• Five-section empty-hand two-person form.
• Da Lu and free movement.

• 16, 32 and 54-movement Yang’s Sword.
• 5-section two-person Sword form.
• Wu Family 13-movement Spear.

Category 3:

This level of practice is based upon Shen-style Taijiquan and Qigong, an evolution of Yang family middle-frame Taijiquan, as well as on elements of Ba Gwa Qigong. This is a rare Taijiquan form, which can be practiced at different levels of complexity. It is a high-level martial art and can lead to an advanced esoteric energy-meditation. The Grandmaster of this form is Dr. Shen Zaiwen, third-generation student of Yang Chien-hou. He presently resides in Japan.

Form:

• Shen-style Yang middle-frame long form – over 150 movements incorporating advanced Qigong.

• Ba Chang Gong.
• Four Animals Ba Gwa Qigong – based on the Phoenix, Dragon, Crane and Serpent.
• Dr. Shen’s Taiji Qigong.

• Dr. Shen’s “automatic” free-movement.

Summary The stages of learning, through the exploration of this curriculum, can be understood as consisting of three progressive levels of yogic training. Hathayoga encompasses physical education, including strength, balance and co-ordinative skills. Anutarayoga focuses on the meridians and subtle energies. Atiyoga deals with the inner essence of the mind.

This is the inner structure, which potentially exists within this curriculum.

Self Cultivation

Going back to the top of this article, what does “self cultivation” imply? Many answers can be provided, reflecting the wisdom of many great religious and spiritual traditions. For example, the Buddha said:

This implies that self cultivation, seen as mindfulness, is a moral project. It was in this sense that Master Kung, whom Westerners know as “Confucius”, saw it. He said that one who wishes to reform or regulate the state, must first regulate himself (Or herself! The Confucian world was lamentably misogynistic!)

For our humble purposes, let us simply say that self cultivation means that we will strive to realize our own inner potential. This may involve physical, spiritual or artistic endeavours. The method is based upon a belief that, through physical discipline, we can affect our inner states in ways ranging from better health to better understanding.